The FCC has issued a Forfeiture Order (FO) calling for HobbyKing to pay a fine of $2,861,128 for marketing drone transmitters that do not comply with FCC rules. An FCC Enforcement Bureau investigation stemmed in part from a 2017 ARRL complaint that HobbyKing was selling drone transmitters that operated on amateur and non-amateur frequencies, in some instances marketing them as amateur radio equipment. The fine affirms the monetary penalty sought in a June 2018 FCC Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL). The FCC said its investigation found that dozens of devices marketed by the company transmitted in unauthorized radio frequency bands and, in some cases, operated at excessive power levels. “Such unlawful transmissions could interfere with key government and public safety services, like aviation systems,” the FCC said.“We have fully considered HobbyKing’s response to the NAL, which does not contest any facts and includes only a variety of legal arguments, none of which we find persuasive,” the FCC said in the FO. “We therefore adopt the $2,861,128 forfeiture penalty proposed in the NAL.”
The FCC pointed out in the FO that it has previously made clear that “[d]evices used in the Amateur Radio Service do not require authorization prior to being imported into the United States, but devices for other services, including the CB service, require Commission approval.” The FCC investigation found that 65 models of devices marketed by HobbyKing should have had FCC certification.
Responding to the NAL, HobbyKing claimed to have ceased marketing the 65 models the FCC identified, but promised only to make “best efforts” not to market other noncompliant RF devices. “HobbyKing has a continuing obligation to market only radio frequency equipment that is properly authorized,” the FCC said. “We therefore remind HobbyKing that continuing to market noncompliant radio frequency devices could result in further significant forfeitures.”
HobbyKing has 30 days to pay the fine. If it fails to do so, the matter will be referred to the Department of Justice for collection.
SOURCE:ARRL
PrepComm MMX TearDown The MMX Multi-band Morse Code Transceiver is the evolution of the DMX-40+ Morse Code Transceiver,and includes the keyb... Read more
This is the review of a Mini portable PWR and SWR meter with built-in battery and High SWR warning buzzer. There are also the Xiegu X6100’s outp... Read more
“Let us understand what happens if you have a hill or mountain in the way of your radio signal because I recently published a video showing you... Read more
“This video is a response to a video I saw by @NotaRubicon Productions where he claims that GMRS is better than Ham Radio. I found the video fun... Read more
RFI from Solar Inverter Lee, KI5ODH, built an off grid solar system for his station. But he is having some trouble. “The inverter is putting out... Read more
Xiegu GNR1 digital audio noise filter is an audio processing device integrating digital noise reduction and digital filtering. It will effectivel... Read more
New Hams Tips – What is the Noise Blanker used for? Read more
Decibels (dB) can be slightly confusing. Here is a simple short video explaining. Callum. Read more
Review of the features and operating controls of the FX-4C – a great little SDR Transceiver designed by BG2FX. Transmission frequency range: 3.5... Read more
In May 2021, new FCC rules regarding exposure to RF energy went into effect. The limits haven’t changed, but the ways that some amateur operator... Read more
Review
PrepComm MMX TearDown – Keyboard CW?
Mini DIGITAL PWR / SWR meter review
Radio Signals: What happens if there’s a hill in the way?
10 Reasons Why GMRS is NOT Better Than Ham Radio
RFI from Solar Inverter
XIEGU GNR 1 Noise Reduction Unit – Full Review
What is the Noise Blanker used for?
Fast Easy Guide to Decibels dB vs dBi in 6 Minutes
FX-4C SDR QRP Transceiver | Review of features and operating controls
How to Comply with FCC RF Exposure Rules Forum Featuring Ed Hare, W1RFI | at 2022 Dayton Hamvention®
JUENTAI JT-K10A JUENTAI JT-K10AT Function: 01. Outpower: 10W 02. Adopting newest polymer Li-ion battery 03. Adopting imported PC material in case t... Read more
Ailunce HD1 Dual Band DMR Digital DCDM TDMA Waterproof Two Way Radio Description: HD1 dual band digital radio uses Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Tier 2 S... Read more
Yaesu FT2DR Eric VE2MEL received his new Yaesu FT2DR yesterday. Here’s our first video. The good news, it use the same fast charger as the FT1DR... Read more
” This page contains information and reception reports for the IRTS 144MHz two-way Trans-Atlantic Beacon operated on behalf of the Irish... Read more
Noel Matthews, G8GTZ, Dave Crump, G8GKQ and Phil Crump, M0DNY gave a presentation at AGM 2019 on Qatar Oscar 100, the geostationary amateur transponde... Read more
Alinco DR-735T Dual-Band 2M/440 Mobile Transceiver TX: 144-147.995 and 430-449.995 MHz RX: 108-173.995 and 400-479.995MHz + Air 1000 memories. Output:... Read more
A short video about the Icom VE-SP1 desktop conference speaker microphone which enables a simultaneous voice conference in multiple locations by combi... Read more
VHF
JUENTAI JT-K10A VHF/UHF 10 Watts
The Remarkable Retevis Ailunce HD1 DMR Handheld
![Yaesu FT2DR – side by side with FT1DR [ Video ]](https://qrznow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/yaesu_ft2d_-265x168.jpg)
Yaesu FT2DR – side by side with FT1DR [ Video ]
144MHz Two-way Trans-Atlantic Beacon (IO51dn) EI2DKH
An introduction to QOscar 100
Alinco has just announced a New 144/440MHz Mobile
Icom VE-SP1 LTE/PoC Radio Desktop Conference Microphone
